Bigging up Brum: This is Birmingham in 48 hours

Known as ‘Brum’ to most Brits, this former industrial stronghold in the West Midlands has seldom struck holidaymakers as a must-see destination – until now.

DAY 1

10:00 It may have induced a few sniggers when Brum was ranked on The New York Times’ top 20 holiday hot list for 2012, but with more canals than Venice, a revamped centre and growing arts scene, Britain’s second largest city has plenty to fill a few days’ exploring.

Start at The Cube, a building built to evoke a jewellery box (and consequently the city’s jewellery heritage), and head northwest into the centre, passing pretty canals, locks and old tollhouses as you go.

11:00 Finish up at the centrepiece of Birmingham’s makeover, the Bullring, a shopping complex best known for its bizarrely designed Selfridges Building.

Said to be inspired by a Paco Rabanne sequin dress, the futuristic-looking blob is covered in 15,000 aluminium discs and cost £60m.

13:30 After grabbing a bite in the Bullring at the Handmade Burger Company, which has a menu long enough to bamboozle the most determined burger connoisseur, head over to the Jewellery Quarter for a fix of history.

Brummie bling dates back hundreds of years – the production of precious metals began to prosper in the city around 1660 and in the 18th century, there was huge expansion in this area to accommodate the ever-growing trade.

Swing by the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter (75-79 Vyse Street, tel. 0121 5543598, admission free), set in a former factory that has been preserved as it was when it closed.

15:00 Discover Brum’s contemporary culture at Ikon Gallery (free). Once a Victorian school, the space is now given over to avant-garde art, with a mix of disciplines for you to gawk at.

16:30 Direct yourself towards Victoria Square for the obligatory snap with Iron: Man, a sculpture by artist Antony Gormley, reminiscent of his much larger Angel Of The North near Newcastle. The iron figure’s feet are buried below ground, and it’s set at an intentionally wonky lean.

18:00 Head to the Balti Triangle for another essential taste of Brummie culture.

Spreading across the south of the city through Sparkbrook, Balsall Heath and Moselely, pick a likely looking joint and order the triangle’s signature dish, a Brit-ified riff on a curry. We hear Ladypool Road has the best restaurants; most are BYOB.

20:00 Hit The Rainbow to start your night. With a complex that includes bar, warehouse, courtyard and two Victorian viaducts, there’ll be something to suit your taste.

Next, salute Birmingham’s rock heritage (the city birthed Ozzy Osbourne, after all) and head upstairs in the Bull’s Head for live bands.